Taking a look at the Los Angeles Rams disastrous six-month span in 2018

The Los Angeles Rams have been a popular team thus far in the offseason, mostly for all of the wrong reasons. First off, the Rams released their new logo and colors as fans were quickly disappointed. Rams Micah Kiser tried his best to explain the new logo but could not win over the die-hards. Next, the Rams had to make the tough decision to release running back Todd Gurley as they simply could not afford his large contract anymore. Head coach Sean McVay did his best to try and explain why the Rams had to release Gurley. Lastly, the Rams recently traded WR Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans for a second-round pick. Even though the Rams updated draft picks for 2020 may seem like a steal, Los Angeles is LOSING money on this Cooks’ deal. Rams Wire Manager Cameron DaSilva did a good job explaining that as I’ll leave that fun for him. Long story short, the Rams offseason has been quite loaded with questionable calls. However, the bigger issue for the Rams is how AWFUL the front office has been in the past years. Don’t believe me? Thankfully Rich Hammond brought up the Rams disastrous six-month

All of these things happened with the Rams in a six-month span in 2018.

Hammond hit the nail on the coffin here. Let’s go into more detail on what happened with all of these trades, extensions, and signings for the Los Angeles Rams. It may have seemed like the best move back in 2018, but two years later, it’s disastrous.

Brandin Cooks Trade/Extension

Los Angeles and Cooks signed a five-year, $81 million contract extension in July 2018, several months after being acquired in a trade from the New England Patriots. Remember the Rams sent a first-round pick to England for Cooks. Another deal that did not go in favor of the Los Angeles Rams.

Marcus Peters Trade

The Rams needed to bolster up their secondary and did so when the Rams agreed on a trade deal with the Chiefs that sent a fourth-round pick in 2018 and a second-round pick in 2019 to KC in exchange for Peters. Los Angeles decided to send Peters to Baltimore in exchange for backup linebacker Kenny Young and a fifth-round selection. YIKES.

Aqib Talib Signing

Once again Los Angeles wanted a veteran in the secondary and sent a fifth-round pick in the 2018 draft for Talib. The veteran was signed to a six-year, $57 million deal in 2014 with Denver. However, Talib is no longer with the team. Another one bites the dust.

Nickell Robey-Coleman Extension

One of the best defensive players for Los Angeles. Back in 2017, Robey-Coleman started in 15 games totaling 49 tackles, nine passes defended and two interceptions. With the impressive performance, Coleman got his extension. The Rams signed him to a three-year deal worth $15.75 million, including $8 million guaranteed. You would think he is still with the team. Nope. Los Angeles did not have the money to exercise the $4.5 million option on Coleman for the 2020 season. Another one no longer rocking the blue and yellow.

John Sullivan Extension

A solid veteran on the offensive line, John Sullivan signed a two-year deal worth up to $10.75 million in 2018. However, the Rams decided to decline his option as Los Angeles needed more cap space. Sullivan is now with the Minnesota Vikings.

LaMarcus Joyner Franchise Tag

A key piece of the Los Angeles Rams defense that is no longer with the team. The safety signed his one-year, $11.287 million franchise tag back in 2018 in hopes of landing a long-term deal. That deal was never made. Joyner is with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ndamukong Suh Signing

In a surprise signing, Suh took less to be with the Rams in 2018. Los Angeles signed the All-Pro defensive tackle Suh to a one-year deal worth $14 million. Suh made an impressive run with Los Angeles and wanted to win a ring, but sadly could not accomplish that. Suh is with the Tom Brady led Buccaneers now.

Todd Gurley Extension

This one hurts. Gurley was apart of the growth for the Rams and nearly led them to a Super Bowl ring. Now he is a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Back in July 2018, Los Angeles signed Gurley to a four-year, $60 million contract extension with $45 million in guarantees. The deal made him the highest-paid running back in the NFL at the time. That same running back is now rocking a new number with a new team.

When you have eight key players that either signed or extended back in 2018, no longer with the team, it’s disastrous. It’s time for the Rams front office to wake up and fast. With huge contracts coming on the table for Cooper Kupp, Jalen Ramsey, John Johnson and more for Los Angeles, let’s see how the front office handles that.